The international conference Worldwide Perspectives on Geographical Indications: Innovations and Traditions for Sustainability kicked off today at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome.

Co-organized by FAO and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF), the four-day (18 – 21 February) event brings together over 350 participants from 52 countries, including researchers, public authorities, producers, and other stakeholders to explore the role of Geographical Indications (GIs) in the preservation of local products, while fostering sustainability, supported by innovation and international cooperation.

A geographical indication is a sign indicating that a tradeable good has qualities linked to its specific place of origin. Therefore, GIs have potential for the preservation of cultural identity and heritage and the protection of traditional know-how, as well as a positive impact on the environmental and social levels.

At the same time, they support rural economies by boosting demand for regional goods, creating jobs, and adding value to local activities.

As global challenges such as climate shocks and biodiversity loss increasingly affect traditional practices, GIs can also play a vital role in maintaining high-quality standards and supporting sustainability.

Speaking at the high-level opening ceremony of the conference, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the importance of GIs in making agrifood systems more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable, and enabling farmers to "produce more with less".

"Geographical Indications are critical to achieving this objective because they promote a territorial approach, which aligns with FAO's approach of ensuring that producers are at the heart of development processes, prioritizing the protection of local resources, preserving natural and cultural assets, and creating a viable economic model," he said.

Qu highlighted the role of GIs in providing opportunities for younger generations, adding that "the development of Geographical Indications also provides opportunities for youth who wish to remain in their local communities and territories."

The event also featured Francesco Lollobrigida, the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, alongside prominent representatives from international organizations and key policymakers from various countries.

"Italy has a model: Geographical Indications, a fundamental reference for enhancing a territory, culture, and history that are reflected in the creation of unique products that are competitive in the markets. They represent the synthesis of tradition, food safety, technological development, and research—elements that have intertwined over time, allowing us to boast an extraordinary number of geographical indication products that are inimitable and non-replicable," said Lollobrigida in his remarks.

A Platform for Global Dialogue

Building on the success of the first edition held in Montpellier, France, in 2022, the conference is set to play a key role in advancing discussions initiated during the G7 Ministers' Meeting on Agriculture in September 2024.

"The number of Geographical Indications worldwide has grown significantly in recent years, with over 9,450 products certified and protected," underlined the FAO Director-General.

For more than fifteen years FAO has been working with partners to leverage the potential of geographical indications for the sustainable development of all actors along value chains.

The opening session highlighted key case studies, including Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy and the Madd de Casamance from Senegal – the first officially recognized GI in the country. Discussions also examined GIs for craft and industrial products, as well as evolving regulatory frameworks, underscoring their significant impact on sustainability.

The event is organized with the collaboration of the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), Fondazione Qualivita, the Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network (oriGIn), Origin Italia – Associazione Italiana Consorzi Indicazioni Geografiche, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE IPI). The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is also sponsoring the conference.

Live transmission of the event is accessible at FAO webcast page.